No IPL till May 4 says Karnataka

Bangalore, Mar 14: Home Minister of Karnataka VS Acharya on Saturday, Mar 14 has denied security arrangement to Indian Premier League (IPL) till the elections are over in the state.

He said that he can provide security only after May 4. Citing lack of security forces and commitment to the neighbouring states' as reasons for not deploying the forces. The minister said the inability to host matches has been conveyed to the Royal Challengers team.

The home minister of Karnataka speaking on the issue said, "Lok Sabha Elections are our priority. We cannot provide security personnel both for the elections and the matches at the same time. We have commitments towards the election process and providing security on the polling dates. However, we can provide security if the matches are held between 4th and 14th May. ."

Bangalore was supposed to hold the IPL match against Kolkata's Knight Riders on April 18. The state Home Ministry has written to Bangalore Royal Challengers about the same.